Manchester United have rejected Sevilla’s opening loan offer for Anthony Martial, telling the player he may need to accept a wage cut to allow the proposed deal to go through.
Martial wants to leave United almost seven years after first arriving at Old Trafford, having seen his playing chances diminish over the course of the last 18 months.
Both the player’s agent and United interim manager Ralf Rangnick have spoken publicly about the situation, confirming his desire to move on.
“We spoke at length and he explained to me he has been at Manchester United now for the last seven years and he feels it is the right time for a change, to go somewhere else,” Rangnick said.
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But the United boss has insisted Martial will only be allowed to leave on the club’s terms: “It should not only be in the interest of the player it should also be in the interest of the club.”
90min revealed shortly before Christmas that Martial is keen on joining Sevilla, although the exact finances of the proposed loan agreement are still proving to be the sticking point for now.
90min understands United are prepared to cover some of Martial’s wages, which can get close to £250,000 with add-ons. Sevilla are not far away from matching what United would put in but it means the Frenchman’s salary is still only around 70% covered by the current numbers.
Sevilla may have to increase their offer, or United are alternatively happy for Martial to waive some of his salary in order to make an agreement possible.
Even though the opening loan bid has been rejected, talks are still open for Sevilla to come back to the table. It is important for them to strike an early deal as they will soon lose Morocco internationals Youssef En-Nesyri and Munir to Africa Cup of Nations duty.
